Kay Moats Drake

KAY DRAKE

Age 81, of Naples, FL and Put-in-Bay, OH, died suddenly on Tuesday, Mar. 10, 2020, at North Collier Hospital, Naples. She was born on January 8, 1939 to Vernard R. and C. Faye (nee: Reed) Moates, graduating from Lima High School and The Ohio State University. Kay had been a Speech Therapist for Sylvania Public Schools, retiring 30 years ago. She married Norm Drake October 30, 1992, and he preceded her in death in July of 1994.

Kay was a life member and Trustee of the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, its longest serving member and a Past President, Vice President and Treasurer.
She was a life member, past and current president of the Friends of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial (The Perry Group) on Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island, OH. Kay was part of the group of neighbors that were instrumental in the building of the new Visitors Center Building at the national park, which is enjoyed by 1,000’s of visitors each season. She had been involved with the Perry Group for 40 years.

Kay was a member of many other groups on Put-in-Bay, including the 4:00 Wine Club at Heinemans Winery and the Skip Duggan Antique Automobile Club, where she enjoyed driving her 1984 Mustang convertible in the Antique Car Parade on Sundays and Holidays; and the Crew’s Nest Yachting Club. As an avid sailor, she was also a member of the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club, having served as President of the Ladies Auxiliary and a member of the Silver Sails. Last year, she was recognized for her many years as a sailboat “umpire” and her activities with the Put in Bay Yacht Club. Kay was a member and former Chairperson of the Race Committees during the ILYA Regattas. She was also a Member of North Cape Yacht Club in Toledo; a Member of the North Naples United Methodist Church in Naples, FL and volunteered as a Docent for the Naples Palm Cottage, part of the Naples Historical Society.

Known as an exquisite party host, she was always ready to attend a “spur of the moment” party with her friends. Kay was a realtor for Berkshire Hathaway Realty, specializing in Put-in-Bay Properties. A great fan of The Ohio State University Football program, she had had 50-yard line seats at the “Shoe” for many years. She was a member, and served on the Board of the Naples Ohio State University Alumni Assoc. Kay was an integral part of the interview process for Florida students to receive a scholarship to attend The Ohio State University.

Kay enjoyed ocean cruising with her friends, having been to the Caribbean, South America, Mediterranean Sea, Dubai, Australia, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka and was scheduled to go to Ireland and on a cruise to the Canary Island, Portugal and Spain this fall. To fill her spare time, Kay was involved with the initial interview process for the “Golden Teacher’s Award” recognizing the outstanding teacher of a Naples school and she happily “dog” sat for many of her friend’s pets.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, and her husband, but is survived and loved by many, many friends and will be sadly missed

A Celebration of her extraordinary life will be held this spring in Naples, FL and this summer on Put-in-Bay at a dates and times to be determined. Please continue to check this site for future information.

Donations are requested to the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, P.O. Box 25, Put in Bay, OH 43456 or to the Naples OSU Alumni Assoc., P.O. 111835, Naples, FL 34108 or to The Perry Group, P.O. Box 484, Put in Bay, OH 43456.